Cultivating Australian wine industry's pipeline of talent

At the 2022 Sydney Royal Wine Show Trophy Winners Lunch, keynote speaker DJ Kearney praised the succession plan inherent to Australia’s wine judging culture; one which seeks to nurture the next generation of judges so there is a continuous line of expertise.

She conveyed that this was quite unique to Australia as well as being the impetus to develop a program in her homeland of Canada that helps develop and mentor its next generation of judges.

This same culture of generosity applies to the Australian wine industry. Australian experts in wine, be they experts in the vineyards, the cellar, the restaurant or media, are renowned for being generous with their knowledge and time. As a newbie, this has certainly been my experience. Wine writers, winemakers, viticulturists and industry executives are always willing to share their insights and histories gained from years of experience.

The abiding generosity of this industry that makes the WCA's Wine Industry Mentor Program so special. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, a way to build industry capability and a spirit of collaboration.

For the past four years, the program has been connected more than 160 early career professionals from across the grape and wine community – be they starting out in viticulture, winemaking, research, logistics, marketing or media – with established and respected wine sector leaders. Many of the connections continuing on beyond the program.

Applications are invited for the 2023 program with benefits including career progression, opportunities to expand networks, developing confidence, and taking on leadership or other professional pathways.

Mentee in 2022, Emily Fitzgerald said: "I will be starting a new job in export marketing within my company in the new year. I can thank my mentor for that!’

Mentors this year include Max Allen (wine writer), Samantha Connew (Stargazer Wines), Tony Robinson (AWRI) and Angus Hughson (Winepilot).

Third-time mentor in 2022, Gary Baldwin said ‘I have gained greater insight into how the younger generation sees itself and their particular issues and concerns, and I’m learning to be a better listener’.

Key points:

• Program lasts six months from June to November
• consists of monthly one-on-one sessions with a mentor and
• access to a range of resources through the program’s online mentoring platform
• access to a range of industry subject matter experts to help address specific mentoring needs.

The whole-of-sector program is jointly supported and managed by the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology, the University of Adelaide, Wine Australia, Wine Communicators of Australia and the Wine Industry Suppliers Association.

Applications close on 31 March and can be made through the Wine Communicators of Australia website here: https://winecommunicators.com.au/education/wine-industry-mentor-program/ .